New life to be breathed into Chesterfield’s former magistrates’ court

Michael Broomhead, senior reporter

New life is to be breathed into Chesterfield’s derelict former magistrates’ court.

The Grade II listed building, which is located between Rose Hill and West Bars, has received planning consent allowing it to be used for a range of purposes including office, retail and leisure facilities.

Stuart Waite, associate director at Innes England in Derby, who is handling lettings on behalf of a private client, said: “We have been in serious discussions with a number of occupiers regarding this building for a variety of uses.

“Occupier confidence is growing and with the economic forecast for 2015 looking positive we are confident that will see early interest converted into deals.

“We are working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council which has identified the Rose Hill and West Bars area of the town as a key strategic location for growth.”

Designed by Professor Joseph Stanely Allen, a renowned achitect, planner and academic, the building was completed in 1956 and became Grade II listed in 1998.

It has stood empty for the last few years and been a hotspot for vandalism.

Last July, arsonists set a wheelie bin on fire and pushed it up against the building, causing the flames to spread.